SH₂OUT

What is SH₂OUT?

SH₂OUT is an exciting project that has been developed through a partnership between British Triathlon and the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK). The project aims to promote and progress safe open water swimming, through providing a safety standard for open water swimming venues, events and clubs to align to. By becoming the ‘go to’ organisation for all open water swimming safety education, the partnership will provide appropriate resources to support the development of standards that ensure safe and compelling experiences for participants. The provision of suitable and safe open water opportunities is key to growing the sport and allowing more people to engage in open water swimming in Britain.

SH2OUT aims to help promote safety and enjoyment in open water swimming with five key strategic objectives:

Safe Venues ̶ a publicly recognised quality standard for open water swimming venues

Quality Events ̶ ensuring open water swimming events are delivered to approved standards

Vibrant Community ̶ providing a compelling offer to all open water swimming participants

Inspiring Participation ̶ developing a clear and supportive participation pathway, enabling more people to take part in open water swimming

Industry Guidance ̶ proving market leading education, support and advice to the triathlon and lifesaving communities

In order to meet SH₂OUT’s strategic objectives we have developed an Accreditation Process that aims to work alongside open water swimming providers to develop their operational plans to meet the standard.

Accreditation has been split into 3 clear categories as detailed below to help Venues, Events and Clubs all achieve the highest possible safety standards.

Do you have a qualification in RLSS TA and want to join a key team of staff working across sites to deliver essential staff training to ensure high standards of Lifeguarding, operational knowledge and service standards?

As we approach autumn and children start to prepare for their return to school, I thought it would be an excellent time to focus on the environment, our work with young people and how I see both of these elements, as key to the future development of RLSS UK.

If you are an experienced First Aider, Pool Lifeguard, Open Water Lifeguard, Beach Lifeguard, Swimming Teacher with National Rescue Award or Pool responder with ER Pool then this could be the next step for you.